According to South African legend Graeme Smith, India led the event of Test cricket beneath former captain Virat Kohli who believes that solely 5 – 6 nations can play the longest format within the years to come back.
Smith believes that in the mean time only some nations are contributing to the event of Test cricket.
During the third day of the primary Test between South Africa and England, Smith mentioned on ‘Sky Sports’: “With Test cricket, it’s just the iconic nations or the big cricketing nations that are contributing to Test cricket at the moment.”
Kohli, 41, feels that India “really took Test cricket seriously”. Kohli has been the flag bearer of the longest format of the sport. He led India to the ultimate of the primary World Test Championship with a number of memorable Test victories.
“I feel it is nice particularly beneath Virat Kohli that India actually took Test cricket severely. They transfer on with that.
“But as long as we have competitive teams, you won’t have 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14 competitive teams. You can be down to only five or six countries playing Test cricket at this level,” Smith mentioned.
All six groups in Cricket South Africa’s new T20 league have been purchased by IPL house owners and Smith, who was lately appointed because the league’s commissioner, welcomed the funding, which he feels will assist the nation’s cricket board ” desperately needed.”
“This is definitely going to be an investment in our game that South African cricket desperately needs,” Smith mentioned.
“The stress on world sport is extraordinarily vital for nations like New Zealand, West Indies, South Africa to stay financially sustainable and aggressive with England, India.
“I don’t think world cricket can afford to lose South Africa or any of the top nations.” In order to make all its gamers accessible for the primary version of the league, Cricket South Africa (CSA) determined to skip the three-match ODI collection in Australia.
“For four weeks of the whole year, the priority will be the league. I think if we had not done this then South African cricket would probably have lost eight to ten players in this UAE league,” Smith mentioned.
“People even take a look at these three ODIs flawed. Yes, South Africa hasn’t even dealt with ODI cricket and will by no means be on this place. But for South Africa to be in Australia for his or her vital a part of the summer season financially is a large stress for them.
“It’s like asking England not to play during your summer. The commitment that South African cricket has shown for the three Test matches is good for the game. It’s something that won’t happen often.”
With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
